roman candle

English

Verb

roman candle (third-person singular simple present roman candles, present participle roman candling, simple past and past participle roman candled)

1. Alternative form of Roman-candle
   • 2017, Wilhelm Johnen, Battling the Bombers:

     The parachute was on a slant in the air and threatened at any minute to roman candle.

   • 2019, David Taylor, The First Helicopter Boys:

     On the second operation the 1,000 mortar bombs were parachuted into the LZ on 125 chutes; all were on target but two roman candled which sent everyone diving for cover and necessitated the change of some knickers.

   • 2023, Dilip Sarkar, Robert J Rudhall, Battle of Britain The Movie, page 91:

     Several of these would be seen to 'roman candle' (parachute failing to open) as did happen all too often during the war, on both sides of the conflict.